The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your health care provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your health care provider, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your health care provider.

Medications may help to either prevent or reduce side effects of treatment, or to manage certain side effects when they occur. Since you can develop these symptoms from the treatment and/or from the cancer itself, it is important that you discuss them with your doctor when you notice and ask if any of these medications are appropriate for you.

Some of the complications of brain cancer that may require supportive care include:

Among the many corticosteroid drugs available, dexamethasone (Decadron) is the only one in common use for brain swelling, because it has the fewest side effects. It is given in divided doses of 12 to 20 milligrams a day or more, orally or through an IV. These doses are effective in reducing brain swelling and usually do not produce the major side effects associated with corticosteroids.

Side effects of corticosteroids include:

Increased risk of infection and difficulty getting over an infection

Increased appetite

Indigestion

Nervousness or restlessness

Seizures

Brain tumors may cause seizures or convulsions. Seizures result when clusters of nerve cells in the brain, called neurons, communicate with each other abnormally. During a seizure, the neurons' normal pattern of activity is disturbed. This can cause strange sensations, emotions, and behavior. It can also cause convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.

Anticonvulsants are medications that can help prevent and/or manage seizures:

Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol)

Ethosuximide (Zarontin)

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Primidone (Mysoline)

Valproic acid (Depakene)

Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat)

Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Carbamazepine

Common brand names include:

Tegretol

Carbatrol

Carbamazepine prevents seizures by reducing the excitability of nerve fibers in the brain. This medication is taken as a tablet or liquid. It is best taken at the same time or times each day. Taking it with food or liquid can help prevent stomach upset.

Possible side effects include:

Blurred vision

Nystagmus—rhythmic back and forth eye movements

Lightheadedness

Drowsiness

Possibly severe skin reactions

Bone marrow damage

More serious, but less common side effects include bone marrow suppression, rashes, and heart failure.

Ethosuximide

Common brand name: Zarontin

Ethosuximide controls seizures by depressing nerve transmissions in the motor cortex, which is the part of the brain that controls muscles. The medication is taken in liquid or capsule form. It is best taken at the same time or times each day. Taking it with food or liquid can help prevent stomach upset.

Possible side effects include:

Nausea

Appetite loss

Vomiting

Fatigue

Lightheadedness

Drowsiness

Headache

Muscle pain

Rash

Change in urine color

Persistent fever or sore throat should be reported to your doctor. These symptoms may indicate a low white blood cell count due to bone marrow suppression.

Gabapentin

Common brand name: Neurontin

It is not known how gabapentin prevents convulsive seizures, but is thought to increase the brain concentration of a protein called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which calms the brain. This medication is taken in capsule form. Maintenance dosage varies among patients. It is best taken with food or liquid to prevent stomach upset.

Possible side effects include:

Sleepiness

Lightheadedness

Fatigue

Lack of coordination

Weight gain

Rapid back-and-forth eyeball movements known as nystagmus

Lamotrigine

Common brand name: Lamictal

It is not known how lamotrigine prevents convulsive seizures, but it is thought to stabilize nerve membranes. The medication is taken in tablet form. Maintenance dosage varies among patients. It is best taken with liquid to prevent stomach upset.

When you are taking lamotrigine, contact your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms:

Rash

Fever

Flu-like symptoms

Swollen glands

An increase in your seizures

Other possible side effects include:

Double or blurred vision

Clumsiness

Lightheadedness

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Drowsiness

Oxcarbazepine

Common brand name: Trileptal

Oxcarbazepine is believed to prevent convulsive seizures by altering the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain and stabilizing the nerve membranes. This medication is taken in tablet or liquid form. Maintenance dosage varies among patients. It is best taken with liquid.

Possible side effects include:

Vision changes

Lightheadedness

Nausea or vomiting

Sleepiness

Headache

Fatigue

Phenytoin

Common brand name: Dilantin

Phenytoin prevents seizures by promoting sodium loss in nerve fibers. This reduces nerve excitability and the spread of nerve impulses. This medication is taken in tablet or liquid form. It is best taken with liquid and at the same time each day.

Possible side effects include:

Bleeding

Swollen gums

Fever

Rashes

Lightheadedness

Drowsiness

Nausea, vomiting

Diarrhea or constipation

Liver and bone marrow damage

Nerve and brain dysfunctions

Respiratory inflammations

Rapid eyeball movement known as nystagmus

Primidone

Common brand name: Mysoline

Primidone is believed to prevent seizures by inhibiting the repeated spread of nerve impulses. This medication is taken in tablet or liquid form. It is best taken at the same time each day, and it is best taken with liquid or food.

Possible side effects include:

Rash

Confusion

Rapid eye movements

Clumsiness

Lightheadedness

Drowsiness

Valproic Acid

Common brand name: Depakene, Depakote

Valproic acid may prevent seizures by increasing concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This holds back nerve transmissions in parts of the brain. This medication is taken in capsule or liquid form. It is best taken once a day at the same time each day. Taking it with liquid or food can help prevent stomach upset.

Possible side effects include:

Nausea or vomiting

Indigestion, abdominal pain, loss of appetite

Diarrhea

Tremors

Lightheadedness

Weakness, sleepiness

Headache

Visual disturbances

Hair loss

Liver damage

Pancreatitis

Respiratory infection

Thrombocytopenia—a decrease in the number of blood platelets

Menstrual changes in young women

Fetal damage if pregnant

Benzodiazepines

Diazepam (Valium)

Clonazepam (Klonopin)

These two drugs are approved for use in various kinds of seizure disorder. Diazepam is more frequently used than clonazepam. It can be given orally, by injection, or by rectal gel. They are central nervous system depressants.

Possible side effects of benzodiazepines include:

Drowsiness

Difficulty breathing

Headaches

Chemical dependence

When to Contact Your Health Care Provider

Contact your health care provider if:

You experience any unusual, rare, or severe symptoms or side effects

You suffer any recurrence of epileptic seizures

Never stop or reduce your medications without first consulting your doctor.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.